How Much Does a Man and Van Cost in London? 2026 Pricing Guide
The short answer: a man and van in London costs £45 to £85 per hour depending on team size, with most local flat moves completing in 2 to 4 hours. But the real cost on moving day is almost always different from the advertised rate because of ULEZ zones, stair access, parking bays, and day of week pricing that few companies explain upfront.
This guide gives you the actual numbers, hourly rates, per property estimates, every surcharge itemised, so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises on the day.
Man and Van Prices in London at a Glance (2026)
| Team Size | Van Type | Hourly Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 man + van | Transit / SWB | £45 per hour | Single items, small studio moves |
| 2 men + van | Large panel van | £65 per hour | 1 to 2 bedroom flats, student moves |
| 3 men + large van | Luton / LWB | £85 per hour | 2 to 3 bedroom houses, full moves |
Man and Van Cost by Property Type in London
| Property Type | Team Needed | Typical Duration | Total Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single item / small load | 1 man + van | 2 hours | £90 (2hr minimum) |
| Studio flat | 1 to 2 men + van | 2 to 3 hours | £90 to £195 |
| 1 bedroom flat | 2 men + van | 3 to 4 hours | £195 to £260 |
| 2 bedroom flat or house | 2 to 3 men + van | 4 to 6 hours | £260 to £510 |
| 3 bedroom house | 3 men + Luton | 6 to 8 hours | £510 to £680 |
What Affects the Price of a Man and Van in London?
1. Van Size and Team Size
The biggest lever. A single driver in a Transit van is cheapest but suits small loads only. For a full 2 bedroom flat, a second pair of hands cuts job duration by 30 to 40 percent, meaning the higher hourly rate often works out cheaper overall.
2. Distance and Travel Time
A move from Bromley to Greenwich adds roughly 45 to 60 minutes of driving versus a same street move. For longer routes like Croydon to North London, factor in an extra hour of travel time in your estimate.
3. Stairs and Lift Access: the Hidden Time Killer
No lift? Every floor above ground adds 15 to 30 minutes per trip. For a second floor flat with furniture, this typically adds £15 to £25 to the total. Third floor with heavy items? Budget £30 to £50 extra. We assess access during quoting, no surprises on the day.
4. ULEZ: Who Pays and How Much?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone now covers most of Greater London. The daily charge is £12.50 for vans that do not meet Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol) standards. All our vehicles are ULEZ compliant. There is no ULEZ surcharge on any of our jobs. When getting quotes elsewhere, ask specifically.
5. Congestion Charge: What It Costs and When It Applies
Entering the Congestion Charge zone costs £15 per day. It applies Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and Saturday to Sunday 12pm to 6pm. If your job starts and finishes outside those hours, the charge does not apply. We always declare this upfront when your route crosses the zone.
6. Day of Week and Season
Friday and Saturday are peak moving days. Booking Monday to Wednesday typically gives more flexibility and no premium. Summer (June to August) and end of month dates are busiest. Book at least 1 to 2 weeks ahead during these periods.
7. Parking Permits and Suspensions
Permit only streets may require a temporary parking suspension for safe loading. In most London boroughs this costs £50 to £90 per bay per day, arranged via your local council. Worth checking a week before your move date.
Man and Van vs Self-Drive Hire vs Full Removal Company
| Option | 1 Bed Flat Cost | 2 Bed House Cost | Labour Included? | Insurance? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Man and Van | £195 to £260 | £260 to £510 | Yes | Goods in transit |
| Self-Drive Hire | £60 to £120 | £80 to £160 | No (you load) | Collision only |
| Full Removal Company | £350 to £600 | £700 to £1,400 | Yes + packing | Full goods cover |
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- ULEZ surcharge: £12.50 per day if van is non compliant, always ask
- Congestion Charge: £15 per day for Central London routes during charge hours
- Stair or no lift surcharge: £15 to £30 per floor, varies by operator
- Parking suspension: £50 to £90, arranged by you via council
- Waiting time: £15 to £25 per 30 minutes if keys are not ready on arrival
- Packing materials: £1 to £3 per box if supplied by operator
- Weekend premium: 10 to 20 percent on peak dates (Fridays, Saturdays, month end)
How to Pay Less for a Man and Van in London
- Book mid week: Monday to Wednesday avoids any weekend premium
- Avoid end of month dates: the 25th to 31st sees 30 to 40 percent higher demand
- Declutter before the move: fewer items means smaller van and shorter job
- Pack boxes yourself: packing service is the biggest add on cost
- Book 1 to 2 weeks ahead: last minute bookings in busy periods attract a 10 to 20 percent premium
- Confirm lift access: a working lift meaningfully reduces loading time
Our Man and Van Rates — No Hidden Charges
- 1 man + van: £45 per hour
- 2 men + van: £65 per hour
- 3 men + large van: £85 per hour
All vans ULEZ compliant. Goods in transit insurance on every job. Written quote before confirmation, nothing on your invoice that was not agreed upfront. We cover London, Sevenoaks, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lewisham, Orpington, Dartford, Tonbridge, and Tunbridge Wells.
Frequently Asked Questions
£45 to £65 per hour for one driver and a standard van. With a second helper: £65 to £85 per hour. Most local moves complete in 2 to 4 hours.
Typically £195 to £260 with 2 men and a van (3 to 4 hours). Cross borough moves or those with stairs will sit toward the higher end.
Our vans are ULEZ compliant, so no ULEZ surcharge. If your move crosses the Congestion Charge zone (£15 per day), we declare this in your quote before you confirm.
Yes, 2 hours minimum. Most local moves complete within this window.
Yes, for London and Kent moves. Long distance jobs may include a fuel supplement, quoted in advance.
Roughly £10 to £20 per floor per load (15 to 30 minutes additional time at our rates). We assess this during quoting.
Monday to Wednesday, avoiding end of month dates and June to August peak. Typically 10 to 15 percent easier to book than Friday to Saturday.
Yes. Contact us for a fixed price quote based on your inventory and access details. Response within 2 hours.
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